Troops kill suspected bandit, arrest two kidnappers in Benue

Operation Whirl Stroke troops in Benue State took action against suspected bandits and kidnappers. Acting Media Information Officer Ahmad Zubairu provided details of two separate operations. On August 19, troops engaged in a shootout with suspected kidnappers at an illegal checkpoint on the Jortar-Atume axis, resulting in the death of one bandit nicknamed "Cool Nigga."

The other members fled the scene, leaving behind a motorcycle recovered by the troops. On the same day, in Logo Local Government Area, soldiers apprehended two suspects - 44-year-old Terhile Iyo and 32-year-old Vershima Emmanuel. The suspects reportedly confessed to planning the abduction of a local resident, Balame Nyikwagh. Items seized from them included a homemade pistol, ammunition, electronic devices, and identification materials.

The two suspects are in military custody while investigations proceed. These recent operations occur amidst a surge in attacks and kidnappings across Benue State. On August 20, the police rescued 13 passengers abducted en route from Enugu to Abuja. Earlier, on August 14, five victims, including a four-year-old boy, were rescued after gunmen attacked their bus on the Ankpechi-Omutele route in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Police reported a September killing of a suspect during a gunfight, and earlier recovered an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. Benue has seen recent violent incidents, including attacks on rural settlements. On August 16, gunmen stormed communities in Mbazun Ward, Ukum Local Government Area, causing deaths and injuries. Residents and leaders are increasingly concerned about safety on farms and key roads.

Operation Whirl Stroke urges the public to share credible information to aid their efforts to curb criminal activities in Benue.